Detroit’s riverfront is set to come alive with the rhythm of music and the spirit of sports during the special one-time event, Good Moves, Good Grooves. Presented by the William Davidson Foundation, this community celebration aims to get metro Detroiters movin’ and groovin’ this summer. From August 11 to August 13, the event will take place along the Detroit Riverwalk at Cullen Plaza and Milliken State Park and Harbor in downtown Detroit, offering three days of family-friendly fun.
The musical line-up for Good Moves, Good Grooves is nothing short of spectacular, featuring renowned artists who promise to captivate the audience. Kimmie Horne and Deniece Williams will grace the stage on Saturday evening, August 12, adding to an already stellar list of performers. The Commodores and Motown Museum’s “Rivertown Review” will also be part of the musical guests for this free event.
Friday, August 11, kicks off the festivities at 6 p.m. with Motown Museum’s “Rivertown Revue” from Hitsville Next, showcasing local entertainers performing some of Motown’s biggest hits. Following the Rivertown Revue, legendary funk and R&B group, The Commodores, will take the stage, known for their chart-toppers like “Brick House,” “Nightshift,” “Easy,” and “Sail On.”
Saturday, August 12, has something for everyone with the “3V3 in the D,” a youth three-on-three basketball tournament in partnership with the Detroit Parks Coalition and the Pistons Neighbors Program, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Later in the evening, starting at 6 p.m., Detroit’s own Kimmie Horne, an internationally-respected vocalist and performer, will grace the stage with her soulful tunes. Joining her is four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, beloved for her four-octave range and distinctive soprano voice, and known for hits like “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle.”
Sunday, August 13, puts sports in the spotlight with the Detroit Sports Showcase starting at 11 a.m. The showcase features a Family Fun Run and provides youths with the opportunity to try out a variety of sports and outdoor activities from Project Play: Southeastern Michigan. The one-mile Family Fun Run through Milliken State Park and Cullen Plaza kicks off at Noon, where registered participants will receive a race bib and participation medal. After the run, everyone can explore various sports stations set up through the park, offering opportunities to sample activities like street hockey, lacrosse, horseback riding, soccer, boxing, tennis, yoga, and more. The showcase wraps up at 3 p.m.
All events and activities for Good Moves, Good Grooves are free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the River East Garage at the corner of Atwater and Rivard Streets, ensuring easy access to the fun. Local food trucks will also be present, providing delicious food and drinks for purchase.
Good Moves, Good Grooves marks a special addition to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s 20th-anniversary celebrations this year. The event is made possible by the generous support of the William Davidson Foundation, which has invested more than $30 million to transform Detroit’s riverfront into a beautiful and accessible public space, benefiting residents and driving economic development in the city and the region.
So, mark your calendars and join in the excitement at Good Moves, Good Grooves! Experience the magic of music and the joy of sports in the heart of Detroit’s vibrant riverfront. For more information and to register for the basketball tournament or Family Fun Run, visit detroitriverfront.org/goodgood.